Smriti Mandhana has made headlines by becoming the all-time leading run-scorer in women's T20 internationals, a feat she achieved during the Asian Games semifinal against Bangladesh on September 20, 2026. The elegant left-hander surpassed New Zealand's legendary cricketer Suzie Bates, who previously held the record with a total of 4,758 runs. Mandhana's record-breaking moment came in the third over of the match, where she needed just seven runs to claim the title, which she accomplished with two consecutive boundaries off Bangladesh pacer Marufa Akter.
This remarkable achievement adds to India's already impressive cricketing accolades, particularly in women's T20 cricket, where Mandhana's contributions have been pivotal. In the same match, she played a crucial role alongside teammate Shafali Verma, who scored an unbeaten century, helping India secure a formidable total of 195/4. Mandhana's innings of 37 runs off 19 balls was instrumental in establishing a strong foundation for the team's performance.
- Record-breaking innings — Smriti achieved the milestone with a total of 4,759 runs, surpassing Suzie Bates.
- Partnership with Shafali Verma — The duo added a quickfire 72 runs in just six overs, setting the tone for India's innings.
- India's strong position — With this win, India aims to defend their T20 title and continue their dominance in women's cricket.
Mandhana's achievement not only highlights her individual talent but also reflects the growth of women's cricket in India. As captain Harmanpreet Kaur continues to lead the team, the presence of two Indian players in the top five T20I run-scorers, with Kaur also in contention, showcases the depth and potential of Indian women's cricket.
With the Asian Games ongoing, India is keen to build on its previous success, including the significant medal haul from the last event. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Mandhana and her teammates as they strive for glory and further solidify their status in international cricket.
